Radiant Cut Rings: Sparkling, Modern, and Timeless Buying Guide

Radiant cut refers to the cropped cut of an emerald and the brilliant cut of a round stone. These rings have a rectangular shape with trimmed corners. Radiant cut rings have high brilliance with 70 facets, which reflect light and give a sparkling look. Its hybrid design and step-cut corners protect the corners from chipping. Radiant cut rings have rectangular and square styles, depending on personal preferences. Halo and prong ring settings protect the radiant cut gemstones. Choose the metal that meets the budget and taste. White platinum and yellow gold metal ring bases are common due to their durability and timeless style. These radiant rings vary in their orientation and length-to-width ratio. Make sure to check the bow-tie effect in elongated rectangular rings to avoid darker shadows. Wear all the available types of rings and choose the one that suits your fingers.

Master diamond cutter Henry Grossbard developed the radiant cut in 1977. He created a hybrid design from round sparkle and rectangular style of emeralds. Radiant cut got popular in the 1980s for its traditional radiance and modern fire look. Radiant cut rings are used as a symbol of affection in engagements. 

What Are the Popular Variations of Radiant Cut Rings?

Here are the four popular variations of the radiant cut rings:

1. Square Radiant Cut: Radiant cut rings vary in their length-to-width ratio, orientation, and faceting cuts. Square radiant rings have a 1.00 to 1.05 L/W ratio with asccher or truncated corners. These gemstones are equal in size from all sides and give a classic, modern look. 
2. Rectangular Radiant Cut: Rectangular radiant cut rings are popular compared to square ones. These rings have a 1.15 to 1.35 length-to-width ratio and create an illusion of lengthy fingers when worn. They can be styled from East to West and vertically according to the choice.
3. Truncated Corners: Radiant cut gemstones have clipped, beveled, and trimmed corners. This style is called truncated or asscher cuts. These durable corners add safety and a unique geometric style to rings.
4. Custom Proportions: Radiant cut rings are customized after making tweaks in the L/W ratio and faceting style. There are two types of faceting, including the crushed ice and traditional brilliant faceting pattern. Crushed ice faceting means smaller and connected facets, whereas the brilliant facetting pattern has longer and distinct facets. Brilliant faceting pattern increases the chances of a bow effect in the diamond.

Which Gemstones Work Best in Radiant Cut Rings?

Here are the five gemstones that work best in radiant cut rings:

1. Diamonds: Diamonds are the first priority when it comes to radiant cut rings due to sparkle and affection. These diamond-cut radiant rings are worn in engagements and gifted in weddings.
2. Sapphires: Sapphire is also known as a blue gemstone due to its soothing color. It is available in all different colors except red. The sapphire gemstone is a symbol of divinity and royalty. It is used in rings due to its scratch-resistant properties.
3. Emeralds: Emeralds are a rich green gemstone and it often worn at home. It is used in jewelry for protective corners.
4. Rubies: Ruby is a dark red colored stone with light-reflecting properties. It is used in radiant cut rings and given on special occasions. Ruby is a symbol of love and affection. Its reddish color makes it a good choice for weddings.
5. Morganite: Morganite with rose gold metal base gives a feminine and soft vibe. Women wear Morganite radiant cut rings daily due to their high strength and accessible price compared to diamonds. 

What Metals Complement Radiant Cut Rings Best?

Here are the four metals that complement radiant cut rings best:

1. Platinum & White Gold: Platinum is a grayish-white tone metal with hypoallergenic properties. It is expensive compared to rose gold. Platinum requires low maintenance, which makes it good for everyday wear. White gold looks like platinum in color, though it’s less expensive. It requires l rhodium re-plating (typically every 12-18 months) to maintain its fresh look. Make sure to choose the one that meets the budget and requirements.
2. Yellow Gold: Yellow gold has a standard yellow color, which gives a warm and aesthetic look. It does not require re-palting like white gold, which minimizes the maintenance cost. 
3. Rose Gold: Rose gold is a pinkish hue metal that suits many skin colors. It complements diamonds and the Morganite gemstone due to its feminine vibe. Rose gold achieves its color from copper alloy, and it is durable than gold or yellow colored gemstones. 
4. Mixed Metals: Mixed metals are a versatile choice for those who cannot decide on one metal. Mixed metal means using platinum for claws or prongs and gold metal for the ring base. 

Which Ring Settings Best Complement Radiant Cut Stones?

Here are the five ring settings that complement the radiant cut stones:

1. Solitaire Setting: A solitaire ring setting means using bezel, prongs, or claws to secure the gemstone in place. 
2. Halo Setting: Halo ring setting involves using small diamonds (pavé diamonds) around the rectangular diamond to hold it in place.
3. Three-Stone or Side Stones: Three-stone setting means installing one stone on the East and West of the radiant diamond. It creates a center of attraction on the ring and enhances its appeal.
4. Bezel or Prong Settings: A bezel or prong setting means setting up the claws or metal basket around the radiant cut diamonds. 
5. Vintage & Modern Styles: Vintage ring setting includes intricate filigree nd milgrin on the metal ring. These designs give a classy, vintage, and modern vibe.

How Can You Choose the Perfect Radiant Cut Ring?

Here are the five tips to choose the perfect radiant cut rings:

1. Check Clarity & Color: Consider the 4Cs, including clarity, color, carat, and cut quality, before purchasing the radiant cut rings. G color grade or higher suits for white and platinum gold metals, whereas the H-J range colors suit rose gold metal bands. Look for the eye-clean SI1 or VS2 clarity grade and avoid the stones with darker or bow tie effects. 
2. Length-to-Width Ratio: Make sure to look at the length-to-width ratio of the ring and choose the one that fits after wearing it.
3. Select Appropriate Metal: Keep the budget and preferences in mind when choosing the metal. White gold requires replating, and platinum is expensive. Rose gold and yellow gold is a budget budget-friendly and require low maintenance. 
4. Consider Halo or Side Stones: Choose the ring setting from halo, solitaire, or three-stone to secure the diamond in place.
5. Assess Cut Precision: Make sure the gemstone has equal and smooth steps or round cuts.

How to Care for and Maintain a Radiant Cut Ring?

Rinse the ring with warm water and mild soap over time to remove debris. Visit the professional every 6 months for professional ring cleaning services and keep checking on the claws. Make sure to tighten or replace them if they get loose, as it increases the chances of losing the gemstone. Store the ring properly in a separate place to protect it from scratches.